Returning Home [1]

The heavy, sacred air inside the subterranean sanctuary remained still, filled only with the soft, rhythmic pulsing of violet light emanating from the four unhatched eggs.

Chaosbringer, Soul Dreamer, and Dark Sister gathered in a quiet, majestic semicircle behind Craig.

Their massive, reptilian heads were lowered in absolute silence, six glowing eyes watching their master with a deep, reverent trust.

There was no anxiety, no maternal aggression, and no protective roar; the soul bond that bound them to Craig reassured them far more than any physical shield ever could.

Craig reached down and unslung the sturdy, enchanted leather bag resting against his hip.

Specially woven from high-grade spatial-thread fabric and padded with thick velvet lining, the bag was designed to absorb immense kinetic shock and regulate ambient thermal energy.

With slow, reverent precision, Craig reached into the ash nest.